V1.0 Patients’ perceptions of their facial profiles & need for surgery

  • Research type

    Research Study

  • Full title

    Patients’ perceptions of their facial profiles and their perceived need for orthognathic surgery.

  • IRAS ID

    291300

  • Contact name

    Hans Antov

  • Contact email

    hansantov@yahoo.co.uk

  • Sponsor organisation

    University of Liverpool

  • Duration of Study in the UK

    1 years, 6 months, 28 days

  • Research summary

    Background: The medical field is experiencing an ever increasing demand for cosmetic procedures. Orthognathic treatment (jaw surgery) involves both orthodontic treatment, and surgery, culminating in a significant change in appearance. One of the key objectives of this treatment is to address the patient’s cosmetic concerns.

    It is crucial that clinicians understand how a patient sees themselves. This factor is important when discussing the available treatment options. If there is a mismatch between their views, it might compromise the patient's satisfaction with the final result.

    Research investigating patients’ views of their own appearance is limited. In this study we are aiming to gain a deeper understanding of this from a patient perspective, and how it may differ from the views of clinicians.

    Summary of Methods: Up to 100 orthognathic patients will be asked to complete a questionnaire which will explore their perception of their jaws, and how they feel they would benefit from jaw surgery. Approximately 15 of these patients will also be invited to participate in semi structured interviews which will explore their perception of how their jaws/teeth look. 3-6 orthodontic consultants will be interviewed to obtain their views on how patients and clinicians differ in their perceptions.

    Research Summary

    Patients with jaw deformities often present with mental health issues such as depression and anxiety. Frequently patients do not disclose these upfront, as such, clinicians should enquire specifically about mental health issues. It is important to appreciate the significance of these and offer patients the services of a mental health care professional when indicated.
    There is a difference between the way patients see themselves and the way clinicians see them. As such, clinicians should explore patient views in great detail.
    Patients' motivations and expectations are a complicated combination of realistic and unrealistic factors. A detailed exploration of these is important prior to embarking on treatment.
    Patients view social media as an important source of information and support.

  • REC name

    London - City & East Research Ethics Committee

  • REC reference

    20/PR/0929

  • Date of REC Opinion

    21 Dec 2020

  • REC opinion

    Favourable Opinion